LifeLink Devotions for Thursday, October 9, 2025

Years ago I went on a fishing trip. A spiritual fishing trip. I was looking for someone to grab hold of Jesus. I didn’t catch one thing. I made a few casts with some pretty flashy lures, but not one fish grabbed hold. Actually, most of the trip was spent encouraging other fisherman, and that was very effective.

For most of the trip God took me through some pretty rough waters. I was literally drowning in remorse and regret. For some reason all the failures of my past were brought to my mind, and all of the hardships of the present were seen as more evidence of my unworthiness. I really believed I was unfit for service to the King.

Then the breakthrough came. God reminded me clearly from the authority and truth of His Word that I am forgiven. The past is gone, and He remembers it no more. The future is His and He has asked me to be a part of it. He reminded me that I am His because He chose me, He cleansed me, and He commissioned me to do His work. I’m ready for more fishing.

Fishing is all about forgiveness. It’s not very flashy, but it’s the only lure we need. People must be told they can be forgiven. It’s what the entire ministry of Jesus was all about – to seek and to save the lost. He was constantly forgiving the worst of sinners. Jesus had to remind me that I have been forgiven. I’m not sure I ever really understood the impact that God’s forgiveness of my sin should have had on my life. I’m starting to. I’m ready to go fishing.

On that previous fishing trip, God was confirming His purpose in me. He answered prayer about a ministry opportunity for me. He answered with a “YES!” and I said yes to returning to an old favorite fishing hole.

God is currently clarifying His vision for His church. He is opening doors of ministry. He  tests our faith with a variety of storms that rock our boat but strengthen our confidence in His provisions. We are being made ready for more fishing.

How about you? How has God been training you to do more fishing? Or maybe you don’t recognize that He’s doing it because you haven’t yet decided to go fishing. It’s time to start casting lures of love and watch what God does.

Pastor John